The meeting was agreed following a question from Cllr Krishna James who asked: “In October, you ordered an investigation into allegations of institutional racism in Harrow Council.

“In a borough with nearly 60 per cent black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) population could you please provide an update, as three months have elapsed, on the progress of the investigation, including when an outcome can be expected?”

Cllr Hall said: “This is a very important issue for the whole council.

“What is also important is that there is agreement on the terms of any investigation so it is thorough.

“This investigation will be paid for by the taxpayer so it is essential we get it right.”

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She then called on the two leaders, who sit on the cabinet as non-executive members, to agree on a meeting before the end of the month to discuss the investigation.

Cllr Hall launched the investigation into an allegation of racism made by one individual member.

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Comments (2)

Transparency, perception of fairness and credibility are crucial in addressing any dynamics of racism. Therefore, the investigation needs to be 'independent' but how could it be if the political arm of the body that has been accused of racism sets the terms of reference and appoints an investigator of its choice on behalf of the body! 'Judge and the jury'? Many think that the process and the delay in implementing it, along with the political groups accusing each other for non-cooperation, are collective time buying tactics, knowing that the May elections are only round the corner! Should we really continue with this doomed, expensive and outdated investigation, the outcome of which is so obvious i.e. no case to answer?

Transparency, perception of fairness and credibility are crucial in addressing any dynamics of racism. Therefore, the investigation needs to be 'independent' but how could it be if the political arm of the body that has been accused of racism sets the terms of reference and appoints an investigator of its choice on behalf of the body! 'Judge and the jury'?
Many think that the process and the delay in implementing it, along with the political groups accusing each other for non-cooperation, are collective time buying tactics, knowing that the May elections are only round the corner!
Should we really continue with this doomed, expensive and outdated investigation, the outcome of which is so obvious i.e. no case to answer?Husain Akhtar

Transparency, perception of fairness and credibility are crucial in addressing any dynamics of racism. Therefore, the investigation needs to be 'independent' but how could it be if the political arm of the body that has been accused of racism sets the terms of reference and appoints an investigator of its choice on behalf of the body! 'Judge and the jury'? Many think that the process and the delay in implementing it, along with the political groups accusing each other for non-cooperation, are collective time buying tactics, knowing that the May elections are only round the corner! Should we really continue with this doomed, expensive and outdated investigation, the outcome of which is so obvious i.e. no case to answer?

Score: 5

pravinshah1 says...6:56pm Thu 16 Jan 14

When arriving in power in September last year, Tory leader Councillor Susan Hall said that the authority will launch an independent investigation into the allegations, however she put the issue on the shelf so that it can be forgotten. Cllr Hall commented "The fact that it [the investigation] is done properly is far more important than it being done quickly.” Any one believing Cllr Hall should think twice. She is power grabbing arrogant person. So it takes five months for her to bring it back from the shelf not because she wanted to, but because Cllr James demanded an update. From that one can only presume that Madam Hall had no intention to do anything after she grabbed power on the council with the help of the Independent Labour Group. I like many others in political field blame the Independent Labour Group for selling the community to Tories. Independent Labour leader Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar and Labour leader Councillor David Perry to agree to meet by the end of January to strike out how the investigation will be held? If the political groups accusing each other for non-cooperation are to meet as to how investigation should be conducted, can it be fair and independent. The process and the delay in implementing investigation by Madam Hall, along with, are collective (all the three political parties) in time buying tactics, knowing that the May elections are only round the corner!

When arriving in power in September last year, Tory leader Councillor Susan Hall said that the authority will launch an independent investigation into the allegations, however she put the issue on the shelf so that it can be forgotten. Cllr Hall commented "The fact that it [the investigation] is done properly is far more important than it being done quickly.” Any one believing Cllr Hall should think twice. She is power grabbing arrogant person.
So it takes five months for her to bring it back from the shelf not because she wanted to, but because Cllr James demanded an update. From that one can only presume that Madam Hall had no intention to do anything after she grabbed power on the council with the help of the Independent Labour Group. I like many others in political field blame the Independent Labour Group for selling the community to Tories.
Independent Labour leader Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar and Labour leader Councillor David Perry to agree to meet by the end of January to strike out how the investigation will be held? If the political groups accusing each other for non-cooperation are to meet as to how investigation should be conducted, can it be fair and independent.
The process and the delay in implementing investigation by Madam Hall, along with, are collective (all the three political parties) in time buying tactics, knowing that the May elections are only round the corner!pravinshah1

When arriving in power in September last year, Tory leader Councillor Susan Hall said that the authority will launch an independent investigation into the allegations, however she put the issue on the shelf so that it can be forgotten. Cllr Hall commented "The fact that it [the investigation] is done properly is far more important than it being done quickly.” Any one believing Cllr Hall should think twice. She is power grabbing arrogant person. So it takes five months for her to bring it back from the shelf not because she wanted to, but because Cllr James demanded an update. From that one can only presume that Madam Hall had no intention to do anything after she grabbed power on the council with the help of the Independent Labour Group. I like many others in political field blame the Independent Labour Group for selling the community to Tories. Independent Labour leader Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar and Labour leader Councillor David Perry to agree to meet by the end of January to strike out how the investigation will be held? If the political groups accusing each other for non-cooperation are to meet as to how investigation should be conducted, can it be fair and independent. The process and the delay in implementing investigation by Madam Hall, along with, are collective (all the three political parties) in time buying tactics, knowing that the May elections are only round the corner!

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